Episode 37: In this episode of Positive Traction, Henry interviews Carlos, who shares his turbulent yet inspiring life story. Carlos opens up about his seemingly normal childhood that drastically changed when his father left the family, leading him into a life of homelessness, gang involvement, and eventual imprisonment. He discusses his transformation while in solitary confinement, aided by unexpected acts of kindness and faith. Upon his release, Carlos faced numerous obstacles but found his purpose in helping others through writing, speaking engagements, and prison outreach programs. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the impact of second chances.

  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:48 Carlos's Early Life and Family Struggles 02:15 Descent into Crime and Incarceration 03:28 Life in Prison and Becoming a Shot Caller 04:27 Solitary Confinement and Transformation 07:56 Forgiveness and Rebuilding Relationships 12:59 Challenges After Release 17:07 Finding Hope and Purpose 25:03 The Power of One Person 26:25 Surviving Solitary Confinement 28:26 Choosing Not to Retaliate 29:13 Transforming Lives in Prison 32:16 Rebuilding Life After Prison 34:46 Finding Purpose and Giving Back 40:08 The Turning Point: Meeting Peter Meyerhoff 43:30 Current Endeavors and Future Goals   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #36: 

The Essential Discomfort for Personal Growth   Description: In this mini bonus episode of the Positive Traction podcast, Coach Henry Castro and Daniel Brown discuss the concept of discomfort and its importance in personal growth. They explore how embracing discomfort can lead to resilience, discipline, and continuous improvement in various aspects of life. Daniel shares practical examples from his own life, including his morning routine and the benefits of seeking challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need to step out of comfort zones to achieve long-term rewards and personal development.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Discomfort 05:56 Discipline and Morning Routines 12:49 The Journey of Continuous Improvement

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Episode #35: In this episode of the Positive Traction Podcast, Coach Henry welcomes his long-time friend Chris, who shares his decade-long journey in the banking industry and how he has managed to stay grounded while navigating the ups and downs of his career. The discussion focuses on the importance of passion, dealing with significant hindrances, maintaining humility, and staying hungry for success. Chris delves into personal anecdotes, including challenging moments like leaving a secure job and facing institutional crises. The conversation also touches on balancing family life, finding joy in small moments, and offering life advice for younger generations. Chris's perspective provides valuable insights into resilience, authenticity, and the importance of living in the present. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question from Chris on the legacy one wishes to leave behind, prompting Henry to share his own reflections on living a life of purpose and integrity.

Chapters: 

00:44 Chris's Background in Banking 02:40 Challenges in the Banking Industry 06:05 Finding Passion and Overcoming Hindrances 08:42 The Importance of Hunger and Drive 12:49 Staying Humble in a High-Stakes World 14:11 Personal and Professional Setbacks 21:02 Marriage and Family Insights 23:26 Building a Strong Foundation 26:07 Overcoming Financial Struggles 27:48 Future Goals and Reflections 30:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Episode #34: In this episode of Positive Traction, Coach Henry interviews Lena Avila, the General Manager of Mastro’s in Thousand Oaks. Lena shares her compelling journey from growing up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, facing numerous challenges and hardships, to becoming a leading female figure in the restaurant industry. She discusses her transition from a career in law to culinary arts, her perseverance through personal adversity, and her rise through the ranks at Mastro’s. Lena's story highlights the importance of persistence, self-belief, and the support from a positive work culture. Her conversation with Coach Henry showcases her dedication, work ethic, and the inspirations she draws from her past experiences.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Lena's Background and Career Beginnings 03:09 A Life-Changing Event 04:59 Pursuing Culinary Dreams 06:19 Climbing the Culinary Ladder 12:10 Joining Mastro's and Career Growth 14:52 Facing Challenges in Business 16:40 Reconnecting with an Old Flame 17:19 A New Opportunity in California 19:24 Rising Through the Ranks 20:53 Reflecting on Humble Beginnings 23:45 Staying Humble and Hungry 28:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Episode #33: In this conversation, Coach Henry Castro and Eric Morris discuss the journey of leadership within the church, focusing on personal growth, overcoming challenges, and the importance of authenticity. Eric shares his experiences of leading Victory City Church during the pandemic, the struggles of self-doubt, and the significance of having a supportive partner. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace their unique voices and perspectives while navigating the complexities of faith and community. In this conversation, Coach Henry Castro and Eric Morris explore the intersection of faith, family, and leadership. They discuss the importance of being present for one's children, the challenges of parenting across different age groups, and the significance of authenticity in fundraising efforts. The dialogue also delves into the dynamics of a successful marriage, emphasizing the roles of listening and leading with empathy. Ultimately, they reflect on how to discern between good opportunities and those that align with God's purpose.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Eric Morris 04:38 Navigating Challenges in Leadership 15:01 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Growth 20:31 Finding Your Unique Voice in Leadership 23:20 The Role of Family in Leadership 24:41 Stepping Out in Faith 26:35 Authenticity in Fundraising 28:58 The Importance of Transparency 30:52 Navigating Parenting Challenges 32:37 Balancing Parenting Styles 35:03 The Impact of a Father's Presence 37:59 Keys to a Successful Marriage 40:33 Finding God’s Purpose in Opportunities  

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Episode #32: In this episode of Positive Traction with Coach Henry, Henry welcomes long-time friend Sabrina, also known as Sab from Hot Girl Financial. Sabrina shares her journey in the financial services industry and explains her mission to empower women by promoting financial literacy and independence. She discusses her initiatives, like teaching intentional spending over traditional budgeting to remove the negative connotation around financial management. Sabrina also emphasizes the significance of women understanding and managing their finances, especially in situations like divorce or the death of a spouse. Coach Henry and Sabrina discuss how small consistent steps in financial education can have a significant impact, and Sabrina shares her vision for Hot Girl Financial's future growth and influence. The episode is filled with practical tips, empowering messages, and discussions on breaking away from the traditional 'finance bro' culture to make finance more accessible and enjoyable for women.

  Timestamps 01:27 Sabrina's Background and Mission 02:46 Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy 05:42 Intentional Spending Explained 13:31 Navigating the Finance Bro Culture 19:34 Future Goals and Reflections 20:12 Encouragement and Side Hustles 20:38 Stepping into Entrepreneurship 23:24 Consistency in Finance and Life 25:34 Empowering Women in Finance 26:12 Intentional Spending and Financial Literacy 33:48 Lessons from Failure and Growth 35:53 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #31: In this episode of the Positive Traction Podcast, Coach Henry Castro interviews Daniel McElroy, an entrepreneur who shares his journey from the film industry to owning multiple Budget Blinds franchises. Daniel discusses the life lessons learned from his experiences in LA, the shift from materialism to valuing meaningful experiences, and the importance of being present with family. He also addresses the challenges of managing a diverse team and the support he receives from his therapist and business coach. In this conversation, Daniel shares his journey as a young entrepreneur navigating the complexities of running a business while being a single dad. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of managing diverse personalities in his team, and the joy of celebrating successes with his employees. Daniel emphasizes the need for work-life balance, particularly in being present for his daughter, and reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences as a father. The conversation also touches on the significance of maintaining a positive relationship with his ex-wife for the sake of their child, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes.

  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Daniel McElroy 02:15 Daniel's Journey to Entrepreneurship 06:41 Life Lessons from LA's Glamour 10:34 The Shift from Materialism to Meaning 15:38 Creating Lasting Memories with Family 19:10 Building a Business: Budget Blinds Experience 21:18 Navigating Employee Dynamics and Challenges 27:32 Celebrating Wins and Team Dynamics 31:30 Balancing Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship 40:35 Reflections on Fatherhood and Personal Growth   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #30: In this episode of the Positive Traction Podcast, Coach Henry Castro interviews Yaritza Perez, the owner of Impact Building. Yaritza shares her journey from wanting to be a nurse to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry. She discusses the challenges of working with family, particularly her father, and how she navigated those dynamics to grow her business. Yaritza also talks about balancing her busy family life with her entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and efficiency. She outlines her future goals for Impact Building, aiming to provide not just construction services but also business resources for the Hispanic community. In this conversation, Yaritza Perez discusses the transformative impact of community engagement in the construction industry, particularly among Hispanic subcontractors. She shares her personal journey of overcoming age-related challenges in a male-dominated field and emphasizes the importance of networking and maintaining consistent business activity. Yaritza also highlights the influence of family on her business motivations and the strategies she employs for efficient management. The discussion culminates in the significance of branding and the necessity of asking for help in business.

 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Yaritza Perez

01:01 Journey into Construction and Entrepreneurship

07:54 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business

11:59 Balancing Family Life and Business

17:27 Mindfulness and Efficiency in Business

19:37 Future Goals for Impact Building

22:32 Creating Impact Through Community Engagement

25:18 Overcoming Age Barriers in Construction

27:35 Challenges in General Contracting

30:28 The Influence of Family on Business

35:44 Strategies for Efficient Business Management

40:14 The Importance of Branding and Networking

 

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Episode #29: In this episode of The Positive Traction Podcast, Coach Henry Castro interviews Jeffrey Whitespeare, an entrepreneur and investor. They discuss Jeffrey's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful real estate professional. The conversation delves into themes of resilience, faith, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Jeffrey shares personal hardships, including the loss of family members, and how these experiences shaped his outlook on life and business. The episode emphasizes the significance of gratitude, legacy, and using one's platform to inspire and uplift others.

Timestamps:

02:27 The Journey of an Entrepreneur

06:31 Overcoming Hardships and Building Resilience

14:47 Managing Success and Financial Growth

21:23 Marrying Business with Faith

29:27 Using Influence for Good

36:48 Navigating Personal Loss and Growth

46:45 Legacy and Future Aspirations

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Episode #28: Brittany Moore, CEO of Be More Organizer, shares her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth and resilience in overcoming challenges. Moore's passion for creating organized and efficient environments stems from her own experiences with an unstable upbringing. She highlights the role of community in supporting personal and professional growth. Moore also discusses the power of faith and trusting in God's plan. In this conversation, Brittany B. Moore and Coach Henry discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with bold and confident people who push you to be your best. Brittany shares her experience of working long hours and being in isolation for the past two years, focusing on her work and being a single mom. They emphasize the importance of community and having someone to lean on during challenging times. They also discuss the seasons of life and the value of self-awareness in understanding the purpose of isolation. They talk about the challenges of being a leader and the need for rest and balance. They also touch on the topic of relationships and the importance of being cautious and aware of red flags. Brittany shares her perspective on grief and the process of living with it rather than getting over it. They conclude by discussing the importance of knowing who you are and what you want, and using pain and hardship as fuel to move forward.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:26 Finding Purpose in Adversity 03:29 Building Authority Through Personal Experience 08:04 Resilience and Personal Growth 12:29 Trusting in God's Plan 19:18 Creating Organized and Efficient Environments 25:24 The Role of Community in Growth 26:01 Surrounding Yourself with Bold and Confident People 29:23 The Importance of Community and Having Someone to Lean On 30:48 The Challenges of Being a Leader and the Need for Rest and Balance 35:24 Being Cautious and Aware in Relationships 38:27 Living with Grief and Using Pain as Fuel 45:39 Knowing Yourself and Staying Focused  

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